About HEROs

About HEROs

The Higher Education Readiness Officers (HEROs) program was created by the West Virginia GEAR UP program and is now coordinated through the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV). Like CFWV, the HEROs effort focuses on helping more students plan, apply, and pay for college. HEROs is a school organization made up of students who want to help their classmates succeed. HEROs work to build a college-going culture in their schools and communities.

Participating schools

HEROs groups are active in several high schools across West Virginia.

Bluefield High School

Hannan Junior/Senior High School

Meadow Bridge High School

Midland Trail High School

Mingo Central High School

Montcalm High School

Nicholas County High School

Oak Hill High School

Pikeview High School

Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School

Princeton High School

Richwood High School

Scott High School

Sherman High School

Summers County High School

Tug Valley High School

Van Junior/Senior High School

Wahama Junior/Senior High School

Webster County High School

Westside High School

Wirt County High School

Wyoming East High School

Defining “college”

When we talk about college, we mean any sort of high-quality training beyond high school. This includes certificate programs, two-year associate’s degree programs, and four-year bachelor’s degree programs.

Why it matters…

Many people think that making sure every student has a chance to pursue a college education is one of the greatest civil rights issues of this generation. College graduates…

earn more

tend to have jobs they like

tend to be healthier and happier

are more likely to be involved in their communities

But too few West Virginians go on to earn a college degree. As a state, we are missing out on the opportunities that college provides. Our future depends on getting more students to — and through — college. By 2021, more than 51 percent of all jobs in West Virginia will require an associate degree or higher. Right now, only 29 percent of West Virginians have a degree.

What’s the problem?

In the past, attending college was pretty exclusive. Most students who attended college were from wealthier families. Although that system might not have been fair, it worked out ok… at least in terms of economics. Back then, there were plenty of good-paying jobs for high school grads. Now, the workforce has changed and most high-paying jobs require education and training beyond high school. That means ALL students should be pursuing a college diploma.

But here’s the big problem: preparing for college takes a lot of knowledge and planning. Students who are the first in their family to go don’t have a parent who can offer them advice from personal experience. So states like West Virginia, who have a lot of first-generation college students, have to work harder to make sure their students are college-ready. That’s where the HEROs come in…

Your Mission

As a HERO, it’s your job to promote a college-going culture that supports students in the college-going process and encourages them to dream big and earn a certificate or diploma.

The Payoff

College changes lives. By helping your classmates pursue their dreams, you’re giving them a brighter future and creating a better West Virginia! (Plus, we’ll give you a free t-shirt.)